Statistics on reimbursement entitlements in respect of medicines (OFS)
The statistics on reimbursement entitlements in respect of medicines are based on the National Health Insurance reimbursement system for medicine expenses.
The statistics cover data on the number of
- existing entitlements to special and limited rates of reimbursement during the year and at year-end
- new entitlements granted
- entitlements ended on account of death.
Latest release
12.6.2025
In 2024, total medicine sales amounted to EUR 4 billion with an increase of 5% (EUR 188 million) from the previous year. Compared with 2023, sales of over-the-counter medicines fell by 2% while sales to hospitals and other institutions grew by 1%. However, the sale of prescription medicines rose by 7%, which marks a much larger increase compared to previous years (e.g. 2% in 2023). Antidiabetic semaglutide took first place on the list of best-selling medicines (measured in euros) for the first time as its use in the treatment of obesity has become more prevalent.
Reimbursable medicines were purchased for a total amount of EUR 2.5 billion while Kela paid out a total of EUR 1.9 billion in reimbursements for medicine costs. This translates into an increase of 6% (EUR 106 million) on the previous year. The increase was significantly higher compared to previous years, as expenditure grew by 1% in 2023 and by 3% in 2022.
Reimbursements for medicine costs were paid to approximately 3.2 million recipients, which amounts to 56% of the total population of Finland. The number of people who received reimbursements increased by 2%, i.e. by approximately 61,000 individuals. Kela paid altogether EUR 294 million in additional reimbursements for costs exceeding the maximum annual limit on out-of-pocket medicine costs (an increase of 7% from 2023). The additional reimbursement was paid to 333,558 recipients, which translates into an increase of 5% compared with 2023.
Finnish statistics on medicines 2024 (julkari.fi)
Statistical publications
Statistical Database Kelasto
Click the link to generate a dynamic and editable report from the database.
How to work with reports in Kelasto.
- Existing, new and withdrawn entitlements to reimbursement of drug expenses 2019–
- Existing, new and withdrawn entitlements to reimbursement of drug expenses 1986–2018
Open data
Additional information
Contact information
Mari Ahola
Otto Kontio
Lauri Manninen
tilastot@kela.fi
